Louisville’s Estes Nominated for TheStadiumBusiness Executive of the Year

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 04/16/19, 4:42PM EDT

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Leadership in stadium project, ensuring success on the field through challenging 2018 earned international recognition

Louisville City FC President Brad Estes talks with Head Coach John Hackworth after the club's victory in the Eastern Conference Final of the 2018 USL Cup Playoffs. | Photo courtesy Em-Dash Photography / Louisville City FC

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Louisville City FC President Brad Estes has been named one of the finalists for the TheStadiumBusiness Awards Executive of the Year.

Estes is among a list of six finalists from all over the world including executives in the English Premier League, the NBA and event venues in New Zealand, America and parts of Europe.

“I am humbled to be recognized alongside these incredible individuals and organizations,” Estes said. “My name is on the nomination, but I believe this honor is a direct reflection of the hard work put forth by everyone associated with our club. From our ownership, to our staff, to our supporters – our strength is our people, and our future is bright.”

Estes is among six finalists for the Executive of the Year, which recognizes achievement, innovation, and fresh thinking in the world of stadium, arena and sports venue management. The other finalists are Laurie Dalrymple, Managing Director for the Wolverhampton Wanderers, John Sharkey, the Executive Vice President - Europe of SMG, one of the leading venue management companies in the world, Nick Sautner with Eden Park in New Zealand, Thad Sheely, the COO of the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena and Kim Bedier, the Director of Tacoma Venues and Events.

Estes was nominated after leading LouCity’s work that in the past year saw the club both secure financing for and break ground on the club’s new 11,700 season stadium in Louisville’s Butchertown neighborhood despite incredible changes within the club’s front office and coaching staff during the 2018 season. In addition to his outstanding work in leading Louisville’s stadium project, Estes was able to lure United States Men’s National Team assistant John Hackworth to lead the club to its second USL Cup.

“Louisville City it is all about winning, and Brad proved it once again,” said Louisville City FC Chairman John Neace. “His ability to juggle all the challenges during difficult times and help the club continue to focus on winning was truly remarkable. We are focused on building championship teams here at Louisville City and Brad is a big part of our success.”

The winner of the award will be announced June 4-5 in Manchester, England at Emirates Old Trafford. TheStadiumBusiness Awards recognize leadership, innovation & achievement in the delivery, operation and management of sports facilities globally. Inaugurated in 2010, the Awards are the only awards for the industry, by the industry and are presented each year during TheStadiumBusiness Summit.

The 2018 winner of Executive of the Year was Tery Howard, CTO/SVP of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium.